New £1m EU-funded project to boost prospects of young people in Mid Wales

31 Jul 2017 04:23 PM

Almost £1m of EU funding will be used to help improve the prospects of vulnerable young people in Powys.

The funding has been secured by Powys Council to provide mentoring, coaching and training to young people facing a number of challenges, including low self-esteem, mental health problems and the effects of poverty.

Around 600 young people aged 11 to 16 will benefit from the funding over the next three years as part of the new Cynnydd project, which Powys Council’s youth service will deliver in partnership with Careers Wales.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said:

“Cynnydd will provide intensive support for hundreds of young people in Powys, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential.

“This is another example of how EU funds are helping boost the skills and prospects of people in Wales and is on top of major Welsh Government investment in apprenticeships, traineeships, graduate programmes and employment schemes across the whole country.”

The Cynnydd project aims to help young people progress further in education and training and, by doing so, to improve their future job and career prospects.

Support will include individual mentoring, coaching and counselling, and access to courses to improve basic skills, self-esteem and life skills.

The project will also develop links with local employers to offer work tasters and more formal work experience opportunities.

“This project demonstrates the opportunity of investing in our young people’s future and I am sure this additional support will enhance their confidence and skills.

“It is vital our young people have equal opportunities to succeed and to enable them to move on successfully into young adulthood.

“The youth service team will work closely with Careers Wales to offer young people personal support and the chance to gain employability skills and experience. I am delighted this funding will enable us to roll out the Cynnydd Powys project to help our economy and communities to grow.”